Stop Everything! Scientists Are Developing A Vaccine For Acne

A magic potion for acne might actually become a reality in the near future. Photo: iStockSource:Whimn

Millions of Australians suffering from acne may not have to suffer too much longer.

It seems a cure is on the way, according to Allure, with a group of scientists at the University of California, San Diego working on a vaccine to treat the common skin condition and hopefully eradicate it for good.

The project's lead researcher, Eric C. Huang, explained why it's taken so long to come up with an effective treatment. "Acne is caused, in part, by P. acnes bacteria that are with you your whole life - and we couldn't create a vaccine for the bacteria because, in some ways, P. acnes are good for you," he said of the logistics surrounding the vaccine.

"But we found an antibody to a toxic protein that P. acnes bacteria secrete on skin - the protein is associated with the inflammation that leads to acne."

So far, it has worked on skin biopsies that the researchers collected from acne patients. The next step is testing out the vaccine on real patients in clinical trials, which could take one to two years.

Up to 85% of Australians will develop acne during their life, with approximately 5% experiencing severe acne, according to ABC Health & Wellbeing. Nearly half of men and women continue to experience acne into their thirties

In the United States, acne is the most common skin condition, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually, according to the US Academy of Dermatology.

"The incidence of adult female acne is increasing every year," according to Joshua Zeichner, an acne specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

If you're someone who suffered (or still suffers) from acne, don't fret. A 2016 study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, suggests people who suffer from acne tend to look younger for longer. Silver lining!